So try erasing or deleting one or more answers that you may be “less than sure” of, and take another look at the area with the answers you’ve just removed.

It’s possible that you have one or more incorrect answers filled in.

Many people find that this break gives them a “fresh look” at it, and they’re able to come up with answers that didn’t occur to them before.

Take a short break, and return to the puzzle in a few minutes.

If you’ve written in all the answers that you can and some blank squares still remain, here are three proven ways to get you to the finish line:.

If you’re unable to fill in any answers in the area you’re working in, look for another clue you’re sure of elsewhere in the crossword and begin the process again. Your solving will be smoother and easier if you are able to concentrate on one area of the puzzle at a time, with each new answer you write connected to answers you’ve already filled in. It’s much easier to think of the answer once you have one or more extra hints from the letters in those crossing words.

The clues to look at next are the ones that cross any of the answers that you’ve already filled in. So review the clue list carefully until you find one that you have no doubt is correct, and fill that one in first. But remember that any of Stan’s Easy Crosswords will have quite a few clues that you’ll know the answers to right away. Of course, people’s vocabulary and knowledge differ anyway. This may be the very first clue in the puzzle (1 Across), but crossword authors and editors don’t automatically make the first clue the easiest one. The first answer you should write in a crossword should always be one whose clue you are absolutely sure of. Once you have correctly identified the theme, the remaining theme answers should be much easier for you to puzzle out.

When you have filled in the first long answer, take another look at the title you should be able to make a guess now as to what the theme is. The title is there to give you a hint about the theme of the puzzle-the subject matter or the common element among the longest answers.

For cryptic crosswords, check out r/crosswords.Always look at the puzzle title before doing anything else. A place for crossword solvers and constructors to share, create, and discuss American (NYT-style) crossword puzzles.

Free online usa today crossword puzzles